xiii, 240 pages ; 21 cm

In 2004, to mark the fiftieth anniversary of his first appearance on the screen, the original, uncut version of Godzilla was released in American theaters to the delight of sci-fi and B-movie fans everywhere. Ever since Godzilla (or Gojira, as he is known in Japan) crawled out of his radioactive birthplace to cut a swath of destruction through Tokyo, he has claimed a place alongside King Kong and others in the movie monster pantheon. He is the third most recognizable Japanese celebrity in the United States, and his fan base continues to grow as children today prove his enduring appeal. Historian Bill Tsutsui, a lifelong fan, takes a lighthearted look at the big, green, radioactive lizard, revealing how he was born and how he became a megastar. With humorous anecdotes, the book explores his lasting cultural impact on the world.--From publisher description

Includes bibliographical references and index

Introduction : Godzilla mon amour -- Ch. 1. The birth of Gojira -- Ch. 2. The Godzilla franchise -- Ch. 3. Understanding the monster -- Ch. 4. The making of an American icon -- Ch. 5. A personal Godzilla -- Ch. 6. Godzilla's spawn -- Conclusion : Godzilla forever

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